The Federation Council, the upper house of the Russian parliament, on Thursday scheduled Russia’s presidential elections for March 17, 2024, in a meeting broadcast live on public television.
Federation Council President Valentina Matvienko said the decision to hold next year’s presidential elections on March 17 was taken unanimously by senators.
The official indicated that “this decision practically begins the presidential campaign.”
Vladimir Putin, 71, has not yet announced his intention to run for office again, but is expected to do so in the coming days now that the date has been set.
Thanks to constitutional reforms, Putin is eligible for two more six-year terms.
Now that Putin has gained tight control over the Russian political system, victory is all but assured.
Prominent critics who could challenge or compete with Putin at the ballot box are detained or living abroad, and most independent media outlets are banned.
Source: DN
